How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter for Food Gifts - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something undeniably comforting about the rich, sweet aroma of apple butter cooking in the slow cooker. This versatile spread is perfect for slathering on toast, drizzling over ice cream, or stirring into oatmeal. But what's even better is that homemade apple butter makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to whip up a big batch of slow cooker apple butter to share with your loved ones. Not only...

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Ingredients

  • 10 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves (Optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 8 half pint canning jars with lids and rings

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 22 hrs
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 22 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 64
  • Yield: 8 cups

  • Cook apples in slow cooker on Low until apples are very soft, about 18 hours.
  • Puree apples in a blender or food processor; return pureed apples to the slow cooker. Stir sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg through the pureed apples.
  • Continue cooking on Low until thick, about 4 hours.
  • Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
  • Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.
  • Nutrition

    24 cal.

    • Sodium: 0mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 6g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 0g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 2mg
    • Potassium: 24mg